Major Rebuild Indy contracts go to key Ballard donors

Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

INDIANAPOLIS - A $400 million infrastructure program that has repaved more than 800 miles of streets, fixed bridges and added bike lanes in Indianapolis has also been a boon for Mayor Greg Ballard.

The Indianapolis Business Journal reports major Rebuild Indy contractors poured at least $221,000 into Ballard's 2011 re-election bid. The contributions accounted for 10 percent of the $2.2 million he raised that year. Rebuild Indy contractors accounted for at least 32 percent of the nearly $500,000 Ballard raised last year.

Many of the donations are from engineering firms.

Director Andy Downs of the Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics at IPFW says donations above 20 percent from one area raise questions about donors influencing the hiring criteria.

Ballard declined to discuss ties between Rebuild Indy and his campaign.

Find the full report online at www.ibj.com.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.